How to Fix Alan Wake 2 Keep Crashing on Steam Deck

Alan Wake II, the highly anticipated survival horror game, has recently been released on Steam Deck, offering gamers an immersive and thrilling experience. However, some players have encountered crashing issues while trying to launch the game. This unexpected hurdle has left many fans frustrated and wondering how to resolve the problem and get back to enjoying the captivating world of Alan Wake II.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some basic checks and troubleshooting steps that can help gamers overcome the crashing issue on Steam Deck. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of Alan Wake, these solutions will help you get back to playing the game smoothly and without interruptions.

Solution 1: Perform Basic Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting steps, it’s important to perform some basic checks to ensure a smooth gaming experience on Steam Deck:

1. Check Compatibility: Make sure that Alan Wake II is compatible with Steam Deck. Check the game’s official channels or forums for any known compatibility issues.
2. Remove Mods or Extra Files: If you have installed any mods or additional files on your Steam Deck, it’s important to remove them. Stick to official and well-maintained files to keep your gaming environment clean.
3. Verify Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and not causing any disruptions while launching the game.
4. Prevent Overheating: Check the temperature of your Steam Deck to ensure it’s not overheating. Overheating can lead to performance issues, including crashes.

Performing these basic checks can help you avoid common software-related glitches that may cause the game to crash. If the crashing issue persists, proceed to the next solutions.

Solution 2: Force Reboot Your Steam Deck

If you encounter a black screen or unresponsiveness while launching Alan Wake II, performing a force reboot can help resolve the issue. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Press and hold the power button on your Steam Deck for 3 seconds.
2. If the device doesn’t respond, it may be a software issue.
3. To fix this, press and hold the power button for at least 12 seconds.
4. This will force restart your Steam Deck and potentially resolve the crashing problem.

Solution 3: Check MicroSD Card

If you have installed Alan Wake II on your MicroSD card, there may be compatibility issues or corruptions causing the game to crash. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Reinsert the MicroSD card into your Steam Deck and ensure it is properly connected.
2. If the crashing issue persists, disconnect the MicroSD card and try running another game from the internal storage.
3. If the game runs fine on internal storage, the issue is likely with your MicroSD card.
4. Test the MicroSD card on another device to check its functionality. If it’s faulty, consider replacing it with a new one.
5. Alternatively, install the primary game on your internal memory to avoid any conflicts with the MicroSD card.

Solution 4: Re-Initialize DNS Settings

In some cases, changing the DNS settings can help resolve crashing issues and improve overall performance, including random FPS drops and lag. Follow these steps to re-initialize DNS settings on your Steam Deck:

1. Hold the power button on your Steam Deck to bring up the power menu.
2. Select “Switch to Desktop” to switch to the Linux desktop.
3. Ensure that the desktop version of Steam is running.
4. Click on the Wi-Fi icon located at the bottom right of the desktop.
5. Select “Configure Network Connection” from the menu.
6. Click on your current connection and then select “IPv4” from the options.
7. Change the Method from “Automatic” to “Manual.”
8. Enter the DNS servers separated by commas to match the Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4.
9. To add, remove, or modify DNS manually, click on the Edit icon.
10. Repeat the same steps for IPv6 if you want to change its DNS settings.

Re-initializing DNS settings can help resolve network-related issues that may contribute to crashing problems with Alan Wake II.

Solution 5: Update Steam Deck

Outdated SteamOS versions can often cause compatibility issues and crashes with games like Alan Wake II. It’s essential to keep your Steam Deck up to date to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Follow these steps to check for updates:

1. Tap on the Steam button on your Steam Deck to open the sidebar.
2. Go to Settings and find the System option.
3. If a yellow icon appears, it indicates that an update is available.
4. Click on Apply and Restart the Steam Deck to complete the update.
5. Repeat the process to check for any other pending updates until your Steam Deck is up to date.

Updating your Steam Deck to the latest version can help resolve compatibility issues and improve the overall stability of Alan Wake II.

Solution 6: Change Proton Version

Steam Deck uses Proton, a compatibility layer, to run PC games. Sometimes, changing the Proton version can help resolve crashing issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Select Alan Wake II from your Steam Library.
2. Go to Settings of the game and choose Properties.
3. In the left sidebar, select Compatibility.
4. Check the box presented and locate Proton Experimental.
5. Click on it to explore all the available Proton versions.
6. Select a different Proton version and test if it resolves the crashing problem.

Changing the Proton version can help ensure compatibility and stability while running Alan Wake II on your Steam Deck.

Solution 7: Reinstall Alan Wake II

If none of the previous solutions have resolved the crashing issue, consider reinstalling Alan Wake II on your Steam Deck. Follow these steps to reinstall the game:

1. Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck to open Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Storage from the sidebar.
3. Locate Alan Wake II in the list of installed games.
4. Press the X key to uninstall the game.
5. Wait for the game to be completely deleted from your Steam Deck.
6. Once uninstalled, reinstall Alan Wake II through the Steam Store.

Reinstalling the game can help fix any corrupted files or conflicts that may be causing the crashing problem.

Solution 8: Contact Steam Deck Support

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and the crashing issue still persists, it’s time to seek assistance from Steam Deck support. Contact them to report the issue and request necessary repairs for your console. You can reach out to Steam Deck support through their official channels or forums.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, experiencing crashing issues with Alan Wake II on Steam Deck can be frustrating, but there are several solutions available to help resolve the problem. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can overcome the crashing issue and continue your immersive gaming experience. Remember to perform basic checks, reboot your Steam Deck, update the software, and check for any game-specific updates. If necessary, reinsert the MicroSD card, change DNS settings, or reinstall the game. And don’t hesitate to contact Steam Deck support if the issue persists. Now, gear up and dive back into the mysterious world of Alan Wake II on your Steam Deck. Happy gaming!